Law Enforcement remembers fallen comrades

We often take for granted the risks first responders take on to serve us.

Law Enforcement Memorial Week reminds us of their dedication and honors those killed in the line of duty.

Thursday, Families and fellow officers gathered in downtown Albany for an annual tribute to those officers.

Albany and Dougherty County law officers paused to pay tribute to their comrades who died while serving their communities.

Relatives of those who lost their lives in the line of duty, pinned flowers on wreaths from agencies their loved ones worked for.

"It's just a wonderful tribute to know that they're not forgotten. They did not die in vain. They gave their lives for these communities" said Jackie Rouse.

Just days before Christmas in 2010, Dougherty County Police Lt. Cliff Rouse was shot and killed while on a robbery call on Sylvester Road. His mother, Jackie has her good and bad days and has found a way of dealing with the pain.

"You put your faith in God, you pray and you cry, but God puts his arms around you. And he's given me the strength to go forward," said Jackie Rouse.

For the past three years, Jackie Rouse has been a part of the memorial service. She says she sees the other family members of officers who have lost their lives every year. She says they all share the same feelings, when it comes to their fallen loved one.

"We all have the same heart. We all know the tragedy, the hurt, the pain. But we've gone forward with our lives. And that's what are loved one would want us to do,' said Jackie Rouse.

Rouse says she and her family still have the support of the Dougherty County Police Department. She says one day she will again see her son who loved his job so much.

Family members from Albany Police Officer Terry Flemming were also at the memorial service. She was killed in a crash while chasing armed robbery suspects in October 2011.

At the end of the ceremony, there was a moment of silence followed by an honorary call out signaling the end of shift for officers.